Want my quick recommendation? I think the eLander Pro Water Thermometer is the best value for most people. You can read more about that thermometer and my other top picks below.
Keeping your swimming pool at the right temperature is crucial to make sure it stays comfortable, and, more importantly, safe for your family and friends. Pool thermometers can help you keep a pulse on that temperature all the time.
There are many on the market to choose from, so how do you make the decision? I’ll help you out with my reviews of the best pool thermometers. Let’s get into it.
Pool Thermometers: My Top Picks
eLander Pro Water Thermometer
⭐ Best Value
Research Score: 4.3/5
- Accuracy and Consistency: 5
- User Friendliness: 4
- Durability: 3
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Type: Analog
- Power Source: N/A
- Use: Floating
Pros:
- Accurate Fahrenheit and Celcius readings
- Analog display is simple to use
Cons:
- Small font can be difficult to read
- Anchor string can deteriorate from sunlight and chlorine
Research Notes
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable pool thermometer, I suggest using the eLander Pro Water Thermometer. This thermometer uses a non-electronic temperature blue liquid analog reading display, which is easy to use.
The thermometer reads up to 120 Fahrenheit and 50 Celsius, making it useful for both pools and spas. In addition, the thermometer comes with an anchor string so you can tie it near the ladder or another stable surface. However, you should be aware that the anchor string is prone to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight and chlorine. However, this is an inexpensive fix for an otherwise great product.
Accuracy and Consistency
Constructed with a simple non-electronic temperature blue liquid reading display, the thermometer reads up to 120 Fahrenheit and 50 Celsius. I found that the 2-degree increments on both the Fahrenheit and Celcius scales give a quick-to-scan, reasonably accurate temperature reading. However, the small font used on the scale may be difficult to read if you don’t have the best eyesight.
User Friendliness
The always-on old-school style of the analog construction means no waiting to get a temperature readout, which is quite helpful. Plus, all you have to do is leave this thermometer in the pool, giving you a temperature reading at all times. However, with that said, you must pull the thermometer out of the water to check the reading. The blue line of the thermometer liquid is easy to compare against the scale to get a reading, but the small font may be difficult to read for those with poor eyesight. Finally, the unit must be anchored to a convenient spot in your tub or pool to stop it from floating out of reach. A handy anchor rope is supplied for this purpose.
Durability
A lot of the time, a product’s durability and price are directly linked. In this case, this inexpensive thermometer does present some concerns due to its lightweight construction. In particular, this thermometer has two issues: 1) the weak string, which breaks down quite easily, and 2) the plastic screen turns opaque over time, making readings difficult. While the first issue is easily remedied by purchasing another string, the second can be a bit of a problem, especially since the thermometer can be difficult to read in the first place. But other than these two issues, the thermometer itself is pretty durable, thanks to its simple construction.
Price
The eLander Pro Water Thermometer is inexpensive, and the price point is spot on for an entry-level offering. Fairly accurate readings and the convenience of its old-school construction translate into a good buy. And even if the product’s quality could use some work, honestly, it’s not much of a point of complaint at this price point. Overall, it’s a sturdy and reliable pool thermometer that delivers what it promises.
Notes From Other Testers
Out of close to 4,000 ratings, around 85% of testers give this product 4 or 5 stars out of 5. Testers particularly love that this product gives accurate readings and is easy to use. You simply pull it out of the water to read the temperature. The one thing that many testers agree on is that the display screen is too small. However, the affordability of this product makes up for it.
Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer
⭐ Best Wi-Fi Thermometer
Thermometers come in analog and digital varieties. Here's a digital option that I recommend often for new pool owners.
Research Score: 4.8/5
- Accuracy and Consistency: 5
- User Friendliness: 5
- Durability: 4
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Type: Digital
- Power Source: Solar with battery back-up
- Use: Floating
Pros:
- Can see pool temperatures from the base unit inside the house
- Wide temperature range
- Backlit readout
Cons:
- Needs a clear line of sight from the base unit to the thermometer
- Maintenance is needed to ensure there are no water leaks
- Batteries need changing every four months
Research Notes
The Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer is an excellent option for pool owners wanting to read the temperature of their pool without having to pull the thermometer out of the pool. In fact, you don’t even need to get off your couch to check the temperature!
For the thermometer to work accurately, there must be a clear line of sight between the floating transmitter and the base display console. The base console has an easy-to-read digital display with accurate readings.
While the battery life on the transmitter is not the greatest, it does come with a small solar panel to power it up. Additionally, if you run into problems, this thermometer has a one-year warranty to cover any manufacturing defects.
Accuracy and Consistency
The Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer is digital. But those worried about this digital unit’s accuracy don’t need to fear. This product uses a wireless connection to display the pool’s temperature to the base display console, which can also monitor your indoor temperature. While the accuracy is around 5 degrees off, this is not too much of an issue as it is incredibly consistent. But with that said, the thermometer allows adjustments down to the 1/10th of a degree if needed.
I found that the readings are consistent as long as the unit’s batteries are good. You should also ensure a line of sight between the floating transmitter and the base station that allows readings to be transmitted every minute.
User Friendliness
The best thing about this Ambient Weather thermometer is its convenience. You can obtain pool temperature readings without going outside to take the thermometer out of the water. If you are all about convenience, this thermometer is perfect for you.
The initial setup is simple and intuitive enough that you won’t need the manual if you have basic DIY knowledge. To set up, you need 7 AAA batteries; the float requires four AAA batteries, and the display needs three. Once you have set up the unit, it works well, but ongoing maintenance is unavoidable.
Batteries should be replaced every four months, and the seals checked to avoid leaks into the battery compartment and the display screen. The unit is supplied with two handy wrenches to help tighten the unit when replacing batteries, thus ensuring a watertight seal. Another pro worth mentioning is that the floating transmitter has a small solar panel to power the transmission function, helping conserve battery power and save money.
Durability
High durability at this price point is to be expected, and this thermometer delivers. The construction itself is sturdy, and everything is watertight. Electronic devices and water don’t usually mix well, but the Ambient Weather thermometer manages to evade this issue for the most part. The one issue this product has is that some maintenance is needed to ensure no water leaks into the display and battery compartment. If this happens, the thermometer will no longer work.
So, to ensure your thermometer lasts, check the seal consistently. In addition, I suggest removing the unit from your pool while swimming, especially if you have children that will throw the thermometer around. This will ensure the extended lifespan of the floating transmitter. Many testers have had a single unit last several pool seasons.
Price
The Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer is much more expensive than other pool thermometers. However, the higher price gives you more convenience and accurate temperature readings than your average analog thermometer. Durability will largely depend on the care shown to the floating transmitter, but if well taken care of, this unit can easily last 5 years or more.
Notes From Other Testers
Of more than 1,000 reviews, this product boasts an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with close to 80% of reviews giving this thermometer 4 or 5 stars. Testers love that this thermometer is highly accurate and easy to use. In addition, many testers like that they can read the pool temperature from the comfort of their houses. On the flip side, some testers complain that the battery life can be quite short, and a clean line of sight is needed for accurate readings.
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun
⭐ Best Laser Thermometer
Research Score: 4.6/5
- Accuracy and Consistency: 4
- User Friendliness: 5
- Durability: 5
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Type: Digital
- Power Source: Battery
- Use: Handheld
Pros:
- No contact required
- High accuracy
- Fast results
- Durable
Cons:
- Measures only surface water temperature
- Runs on battery power
Research Notes
This thermometer is different from your traditional pool thermometer that floats in your pool. Instead, the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun is a handheld infrared gun that can be used for various purposes besides pool temperature readings. But when using it for your pool, you simply point and aim the gun at the surface of the pool water.
It only takes 0.5 seconds to get a reading that is easy to read on the backlit readout screen. One important factor to note is that this thermometer only measures the surface temperature of the pool water. Therefore, you will need to subtract five degrees from the temperature to get an accurate reading. This thermometer is an incredibly accurate device as long as you remember to do this.
Accuracy and Consistency
This hand-held infrared thermometer gun uses a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio that enables accurate temperature measurements. In other words, this thermometer can accurately measure temperatures from greater distances than your average thermometer gun. To get the best results, you should aim the laser guide approximately 14.17 inches away from the water’s surface. This thermometer has an incredibly wide temperature range, ranging from -58 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 to 450 degrees Celsius), making it perfect for both pools and spas. However, it is worth noting that this thermometer is not primarily designed for reading water temperature, so the gun will only read the temperature of the water’s surface. However, I have found that as long as you subtract five degrees from the reading, you’ll get a fairly accurate water temperature reading.
User Friendliness
The ability to measure just about any surface temperature makes this a very handy and user-friendly device. Simply point the laser guide and pull the trigger with the comfortable, easy-to-hold design. Readings take a quick 0.5 seconds to be displayed. The convenient buttons allow changing from Fahrenheit to Celsius if needed. The LCD screen is handily backlit, and the auto-off function is great for those forgetful types, and it will help extend the life of the 2 AAA batteries that power the unit.
Durability
This handheld device scored high here due to the quality of materials and, of course, high durability. As this unit is only used when and where required, it is not subjected to the abuse that traditional floating pool thermometers must endure. Physical damage from the sun’s UV rays and pool chemicals and damage from swimmers is not a consideration. I also found that this product has a reasonably long battery life, which is a huge plus.
Price
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun offers outstanding value for money, considering its versatility, ease of use, and durability. The ability to read just about any surface temperature means that it’s not just for your pool or spa. After purchasing one, this unit should last you years, saving you more money in the long run.
Notes From Other Testers
Unsurprisingly, the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun has a high average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from close to 40,000 reviews! In fact, more than 90% of reviewers give this product 4 or 5 stars. Testers love that this thermometer is easy to use, easy to read, has a good battery life, and is made of good quality material. In fact, these categories have been rated 4.7, 4.7, 4.7, and 4.6, respectively. For pool owners, a point of contention is that this thermometer is not very accurate as it only takes surface-level temperatures. But this is easily remedied if you subtract five degrees from the reading.
GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer
⭐ Best Thermometer with an LCD Display
Research Score: 4.8/5
- Accuracy and Consistency: 5
- User Friendliness: 5
- Durability: 4
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Type: Digital
- Power Source: Solar
- Use: Floating
Pros:
- Double display with large numbers
- Works great even on cloudy days
- Excellent accuracy
Cons:
- Display may fog due to sealing issues
Research Notes
One of my biggest complaints about pool thermometers is that the display screens can sometimes be small and difficult to read. If you battle with reading small screens like me, you need to get the GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer. The thermometer comes with a double display screen and displays large numbers.
This thermometer is accurate and has a built-in solar panel and batteries, which means very little maintenance is needed on your part. However, I suggest using the tether that comes with the product to prevent the thermometer from sinking too far underwater, as this can sometimes cause the screen to fog up.
Accuracy and Consistency
As the GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer is digital, you won’t need to line up any colored liquid levels with the adjacent scale to get an accurate reading. Instead, you’ll simply see it show up on the screen. This thermometer also reaches 5 inches below the water’s surface, allowing for a more accurate reading of your swimming pool’s water temperature than those shorter floating thermometers. When it comes to accuracy, it doesn’t get any better than this GAME thermometer.
An added bonus is that the built-in solar panel ensures the unit stays charged, so you can check the temperature at all times.
User Friendliness
This particular floating thermometer has some good user-friendly tricks up its sleeve. First, the unit is solar-powered and recharges its built-in batteries without user input. Secondly, the dual-angled large LCD display is designed to be read at any angle, even when standing poolside a distance from the unit. Finally, this product comes with a handy, durable tether string to stop the unit from floating into the skimmer basket or getting tangled up with other pool equipment.
A great feature that I like about this user-friendly product is that this wireless thermometer can be paired with other GAME-branded pool products, such as a solar chlorinator, for extra pool care convenience.
Durability
The GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer is made from superior shatter-resistant materials, so it is relatively durable. The built-in batteries mean that leaks are less likely, as these are usually caused by frequent opening and closing of the unit for battery changes. However, I have had to knock off one point for durability because the display will become foggy if this product goes underwater due to sealing issues. For this reason, you should make sure to use the rope to tether this thermometer to a ladder.
Price
The affordable price tag gets you a unique, self-charging, maintenance-free pool thermometer with the potential to connect wirelessly to other GAME pool equipment if you choose to buy them. Although there are certainly cheaper solar-powered thermometers available on the market, this GAME thermometer is well worth the extra couple of bucks as its LCD display makes it much more user-friendly than most other thermometers.
Notes From Other Testers
With close to 5,000 reviews from all over the world, the GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. In fact, almost 90% of these testers have rated this thermometer 4 or 5 stars, so you know you’re getting a great product when you buy this. Other testers love that this thermometer comes with a large display screen and is low-maintenance, with no battery changing required. However, as mentioned already, some testers have occasionally had issues with the display fogging up due to sealing issues.
XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer
⭐ Most Kid Friendly
Research Score: 4.3/5
- Accuracy and Consistency: 4.5
- User Friendliness: 4
- Durability: 4
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Type: Analog
- Power Source: N/A
- Use: Floating
Pros:
- Looks cute
- Fairly accurate
- Durable
Cons:
- Very small so may float into skimmer baskets if not tethered
- Small numbers
Research Notes
If you have kids and want a pool thermometer to last the inevitable bashing and battering, you should look no further than the XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer. This thermometer comes with a cute character on the top and an anchor string to keep it nearby. In addition, it is made with shatter-resistant materials that promise a long lifespan.
To read the thermometer, you must line up the red line with the scale, which is accurate within 2 degrees. It is worth noting that the digits are very small, and some people might find them difficult to read.
Accuracy and Consistency
While the design of this floating thermometer is quite simple, it does promise accurate temperature readings in the range of 20 to 120 °F (-10 to 50 °C). With 2° increments, you will never get science lab accuracy, but this is good enough to get an idea of your pool’s water temperature. With that said, it is consistent, so it will definitely do the job for an average pool owner!
User Friendliness
Floating thermometers can look ugly and may distract from the beauty of the pool, but the XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer has a cutesy look and is a great pick for pool owners with kids. In addition to simply being fun to look at, this thermometer is easy to read and use. Simply pull it out of the water and check the line. However, I must say that I did find the numbers to be on the smaller side. Although this does not render the thermometer unusable, it is a point to note. I also like that this thermometer comes with a rope tether to prevent the thermometer from floating away. On the whole, this thermometer requires very little maintenance.
Durability
The cute little animal characters are like magnets for children, so it’s good that the thermometer housing is constructed of a durable material and, importantly, is shatter-resistant to give the product a long life. However, some testers have noted that the characters on top tend to fade within a few weeks, possibly due to sunlight and chlorine exposure. The rope tether is also not durable, so you may need a replacement rope for this thermometer.
Price
These thermometers come in an extensive range of different characters, from turtles to alligators and frogs or flamingos. You can take your pick, and for a reasonable price tag! Even at the lower price point, this thermometer does the job well and requires little maintenance. Plus, you cannot put a price tag on the fun factor for your kids as they share the pool with their favorite little animal.
Notes From Other Testers
Out of more than 4,500 reviews, 70% of testers rate this product 5 out of 5 stars, giving it an average rating of 4.4. This thermometer is popular for its cute characters, but users also love that the thermometer is value-friendly, gives accurate readings, and is easy to use. Unfortunately, the tether that comes with the product seems quite weak, so you will need a replacement. Especially since, without the tether, the thermometer often gets stuck in the skimmer basket due to its smaller size.
Recap: The Best Pool Thermometers
- eLander Pro Water Thermometer: Best Value
- Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer: Best Wi-Fi Thermometer
- Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun: Best Laser Thermometer
- GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer: Best Thermometer with an LCD Display
- XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer: Most Kid Friendly
How They Compare
Accuracy/Consistency and Price Comparison
To demonstrate value for each of my top picks, I created a scatterplot of my scores for accuracy and consistency (X axis) and price (Y axis). The eLander is the best value in the upper right corner. All of my top picks scored well for value, though, each with at least a 4.5 on accuracy and consistency, and almost all perfect scores on price.
User Friendliness Comparison
- Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer: 5
- Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun: 5
- GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer: 5
- eLander Pro Water Thermometer: 4
- XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer: 4
All of the digital thermometers stood out to me for user friendliness. The digital displays were easy to read.
Durability Comparison
- Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Gun: 5
- Ambient Weather Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool Thermometer: 4
- GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer: 4
- XY-WQ Floating Pool Thermometer: 4
- eLander Pro Water Thermometer: 3
Etekcity’s infrared pool thermometer definitely beat the competition on durability. While the eLander thermometer isn’t going to last you a super long time, I still think it’s a good value.
Other Pool Thermometers Researched
Here are some of the other notable thermometers that I tested.
- INKBIRD Wireless Pool Thermometer – I tested this one and didn’t love the accuracy.
- Kingsource Analog Pool Thermometer – The eLander thermometer is slightly more accurate for the same price.
- ANTOBLE Pool Chlorine Floater and Thermometer – This model crams a chlorine dispenser in with a thermometer. A lot going on here, and I’d rather just buy these two pieces of equipment separately.
- Swimline Floating Digital Thermometer – The other digital thermometers I tested are more consistently accurate and durable.
My Research Criteria
When assessing the many thermometers on the market, I used specific criteria to help me make my choices. I suggest you consider these factors to help you make your final decision. I evaluated the following:
- Accuracy and Consistency
- User Friendliness
- Durability
- Price
Accuracy and Consistency
The whole point of a thermometer is to get an accurate temperature reading. If the thermometer never reads correctly, then it isn’t beneficial. When it comes to thermometers, you can expect some variations because getting accuracy requires calibration, which is not easy.
So, instead of focusing solely on accuracy, look to consistency as well. If you know that your thermometer consistently reads at five degrees off, then you will be able to know the true temperature. However, if the accuracy varies every time you get a reading, it will not be helpful to you.
This makes consistency more important than accuracy. If you get consistent readings that are all off by the same amount, then it is more usable than a thermometer that is always giving you different accuracy in its readings.
Accuracy and Consistency made up 40% of the total product scores.
User Friendliness
A pool thermometer should not be too complex. It is a simple device that should only require the slightest effort to use. If your thermometer continually needs you to adjust it, clean it, move it, or do something else with it other than just read the display, then it is not very easy to use.
Look for thermometers that will float nicely if they are a floatable kind. If they are digital, make sure they do not have a lot of complicated instructions or unnecessary features. The display should be easy to read without getting a flashlight or messing with taking it out of the pool so you can see it well enough to read it.
Confirming a safe pool temperature should be almost effortless. You may need to clean it once or twice a season, but other than that, it should be virtually maintenance-free and allow you to see the temperature reading at a glance without a lot of hassle.
User friendliness took up 30% of the product research scores.
Durability
Pool thermometers should last for multiple seasons. Many pool accessories have short lifespans, but thermometers do not fall into this category. Due to their simple design, they can withstand the heat and the other climate issues associated with a pool.
The thermometer you choose should not break down easily and should maintain its function for many seasons. While some fading of colors is no big deal, you should have to do anything to keep it reading the temperature year after year.
Ultimately, durability was 20% of the total scores for each of the products.
Price
Price is another important consideration, as many pool owners will have a particular budget in mind for additional pool accessories like a pool thermometer. While some thermometers can be as cheap as $10, others may be closer to $100, depending on the type of thermometer you get. Of course, the more expensive models tend to have more bells and whistles, but they are not always necessary. The most important thing to look out for regarding price is the value the product offers. Thankfully, most thermometers should last several pool seasons, so whether you spend $10 or $100 will depend on what features you are looking for.
Price accounted for 10% of the product scores.
What Else To Consider
Here are some additional considerations to remember when choosing the best pool thermometer for you.
Power Source
The power source may not seem like a huge issue, but you will probably have a different opinion once you start using the thermometer. You need to seriously think about whether analog or digital is the best option for you.
Analog thermometers will typically be very low maintenance because they don’t have a power source. You just put it in the pool and forget it.
Digital thermometers require more work. They usually have batteries or solar power that will keep them working. You may need to charge them or change the batteries to keep the device working. This may require a little more work on your part.
Regarding the power type, you will generally choose between solar and battery, which both have pros and cons. Batteries obviously require changing them out as needed. This might require a special tool, and there may be no warning the batteries are about to die.
Solar power units require sun exposure to keep working. It’s best to find a unit that will operate on minimal sun or one that contains storage so that you’ll still be able to get a reading even on cloudy days.
Compatibility
When buying a pool thermometer, ensure that it is compatible with the type of pool you are using it for. Most swimming pool thermometers can be used with spas and pools, but you should double-check that it is compatible with your spa before you dunk it in. If you live in a particularly windy area, you should also keep an eye out for a string option when purchasing a floating pool thermometer. That way, you can tie the thermometer to a support so it doesn’t float or fly away.
Questions? Drop me a line; I’m happy to help however I can. Head over to my pool products article for more recommendations on essential supplies.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Participation in these programs helps me keep the lights on at PoolResearch.com and in no way impacts my research process or editorial opinions.
